In which part of the boat do you get the least seasick?
Seasickness is one of the most common concerns among first-time and frequent sailors. Although some people are more prone to seasickness, the choice of location within the vessel can make a big difference to the experience on board.
Knowing where on the boat you feel the least motion sickness can help you enjoy sailing more and avoid discomfort. In this article we explain what motion sickness is, why it occurs and the best areas of the boat to reduce its effects.
For those looking for boats that offer a more stable and comfortable ride, Crownline sports boat models are designed with advanced technology to minimise the impact of waves.
Why do we get seasick on a boat?
Sea sickness in a boat is caused by a disconnection between what our eyes see and what our vestibular (inner ear) system, which is responsible for balance, perceives.
When we are on a boat, our eyes may focus on static objects, such as the inside of the boat, while the inner ear detects the constant movement of the water. This difference between what we see and what we feel triggers a nervous system response that results in seasickness, nausea, sweating and general discomfort.
This problem affects certain people more than others, although there are ways to reduce its effects, such as choosing where to sit on the boat or selecting a boat with an optimised hull for greater stability, like the ones you can find in our recreational boats section.
The best areas of the ship to avoid seasickness
Not all areas of a boat behave the same in waves. Some parts of the boat tend to move less, which reduces the likelihood of seasickness.
The centre of the ship: the most stable area
The best option for those prone to seasickness is to be positioned in the centre of the boat, which is the balance point of the boat and the least affected by the movement of the waves.
The closer you are to the boat’s centre of gravity, the less the boat will tilt and roll. That’s why, in models such as those in our range of cabin boats, this area usually coincides with the main cabins and interior sleeping areas, designed for greater stability when underway.
The lower deck and near the waterline
Another good place to minimise seasickness is the lowest deck of the boat, as close to the water level as possible. The further away you are from the swaying points (the bow and stern), the less the sensation of movement will be.
On longer boats, cabins located on the lower levels offer superior comfort for longer voyages, thanks to their vibration-reducing design. If you are interested in this type of boat, in our selection of luxury yachts you can find options with interiors designed to provide greater stability on board.
The stern of the ship: an intermediate option
The stern or rear of the boat tends to move less than the bow, although it is not as stable as the centre. If it is not possible to be located in the central area, seating at the stern is often a good alternative to reduce the effects of seasickness.
On many recreational boats, the stern is also one of the most comfortable areas to enjoy the sun and scenery. On our range of day boats, this area is designed for maximum comfort and smoother sailing.
The areas where seasickness is felt most on a boat
Just as there are places where there is less movement, there are also areas where the rocking and swaying of the ship is felt more intensely.
The bow: the most unstable part
The bow, or front of the boat, is the area that rises and falls the most with the swell. This oscillation is most noticeable in rough seas and can cause a feeling of vertigo or imbalance in those prone to seasickness.
On boats with a sharper bow design, such as our selection of sports boats, the impact of waves is reduced, providing a more controlled sailing experience.
The upper decks
The higher parts of the ship amplify movement, so passengers in these areas tend to experience more discomfort compared to those on lower decks.
On boats designed for a premium experience at sea, such as our luxury boats, the upper levels are designed with motion damping technologies to enhance stability on board.
Tips to avoid seasickness on a boat
In addition to choosing the best location on the ship, there are other strategies that can help reduce discomfort during navigation.
Before boarding
- Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
- Eat lightly before the trip.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Wear comfortable and cool clothing.
During navigation
- Keep your eyes on the horizon to stabilise your balance.
- Avoid reading or looking at screens for long periods of time.
- Breathe deeply and stay hydrated.
- If seasickness begins, move to a more stable area of the ship.
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